Dublin Castle Tours

Dublin Castle which includes heritage architecture and street scenes
Dublin Castle showing a park
Dublin Castle which includes a park, heritage architecture and chateau or palace
Dublin Castle which includes heritage architecture, a castle and heritage elements
Dublin Castle which includes heritage elements, a castle and heritage architecture


Discover medieval excavations from a Viking ruin and appreciate the majesty of the state apartments, the chapel and the landscape gardens.

The 18th-century Dublin Castle is among the city’s most iconic sites. A small park with pretty floral displays lies behind the castle, which replaced a 13th-century Viking military fortress. Learn its fascinating history as the seat of British and Irish governments over the centuries.

Arrive in the spacious Georgian courtyard and snap photos of the historic castle. Gaze up at the Bedford Tower, which dates back to 1761. The façade has a bright green dome atop a clock tower. Note the Romanesque qualities, such as the stately columns and large pediment, of the base of the structure.

Look for the Record Tower, the only preserved part from the medieval castle that predated the current structure. Take a guided tour of the castle for a better understanding of its history. See relics from Vikings and browse the stately Georgian chambers. Enter the majestic Chapel Royal for its extraordinary Gothic revival interior. Today, the castle is used for state receptions and presidential inaugurations.

Stroll through the pleasant Dubh Linn Garden and appreciate its landscape designs. Visit the charming individual gardens that have colorful flowers and plants. The central lawn is circular with patterns of brick paths weaving through it. It doubles as a helicopter landing pad. Note the Celtic symbolism in the snake paths and maze gardens.

Purchase souvenirs and items with a castle theme from the gift shop. Snacks and refreshments are available in the Silk Road Café. Hear tales about the castle’s rich past, including the theft of the Irish Crown Jewels here in 1907.

The castle is open daily year-round except for a few closures for festive holidays. Visit between morning and late afternoon. The castle opens several hours later on Sundays. Select a guided-tour ticket for access to the State Apartments. Children and students get discounts.

Dublin Castle is on the southern side of the River Liffey in the center of Dublin in one of the most historical parts of the city. Take a bus to a stop in front of the castle. Visit the nearby attractions, such as City Hall, the Olympia Theatre and Christ Church Cathedral.

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Marlin Hotel Stephens Green
Hotel Riu Plaza The Gresham Dublin
The K Club

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Best Lodging Options Near Dublin Castle

Ruby Molly Hotel Dublin

Ruby Molly Hotel Dublin

4 out of 5
26 - 33 Arran Street East, Dublin
Ruby Molly Hotel Dublin
Marlin Hotel Stephens Green

Marlin Hotel Stephens Green

4 out of 5
11 Bow Ln E, Dublin
Marlin Hotel Stephens Green
The Mercantile Hotel

The Mercantile Hotel

3 out of 5
28 Dame Street, Dublin, Dublin
The Mercantile Hotel
Clink i Lár

Clink i Lár

2 out of 5
35-36 Abbey Street Upper. Dublin1, Dublin
Clink i Lár
The Grafton Hotel

The Grafton Hotel

4 out of 5
Johnsons Place, 31/32 Stephens Street Lower, Dublin, Dublin 2
The Grafton Hotel
citizenM Dublin St Patrick's

citizenM Dublin St Patrick's

4 out of 5
67-69 Bride Street, Dublin 8, Dublin, Leinster
citizenM Dublin St Patrick's
Wellington Temple Bar

Wellington Temple Bar

3 out of 5
23 Wellington Quay, Dublin, Dublin
Wellington Temple Bar
Hotel Riu Plaza The Gresham Dublin

Hotel Riu Plaza The Gresham Dublin

4 out of 5
23 Upper O Connell Street, Dublin, Dublin
Hotel Riu Plaza The Gresham Dublin
Staycity Aparthotels, Dublin, City Centre

Staycity Aparthotels, Dublin, City Centre

4 out of 5
Mary Street Little, Dublin
Staycity Aparthotels, Dublin, City Centre
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Dublin Castle

When visiting Dublin Castle, explore the vibrant entertainment district nearby, where you can enjoy various sports events and football matches. Take guided tours to delve into the castle's rich history and architecture. The area offers a lively atmosphere with plenty of activities to keep you engaged, making it a perfect spot for tourists looking to experience the essence of Dublin.

Food and drinks

For a taste of local flavors near Dublin Castle, visit the Guinness Storehouse, a lively brewery 0.8 miles away, or the Jameson Distillery Bow St., located 0.5 miles away, offering an entertaining experience. Don’t miss the Pearse Lyons Whiskey Distillery, 0.9 miles away, known for its charming atmosphere.

Shopping

For shopping near Dublin Castle, visit the Brown Thomas Flagship Store, just 0.3 miles away, for luxury gifts. The Dundrum Town Centre, 4 miles away, offers a vibrant atmosphere with family-friendly options. If you're up for a drive, check out Liffey Valley Shopping Centre, located 5 miles from the castle.

Recreation

Aviva Stadium, located 2 miles from Dublin Castle, offers an energetic atmosphere perfect for sports enthusiasts. The National Aquatic Centre, 6 miles away, is ideal for families seeking fun and relaxation in the water. For golf lovers, Luttrellstown Castle Golf, situated 7 miles from the castle, provides a scenic outdoor experience.

Adventure

At Clara Lara Fun Park, experience thrilling ziplines and ropes courses just 0.3 miles from Dublin Castle, perfect for outdoor adventure enthusiasts. For scenic hiking, explore the Bray to Greystones Cliff Walk, located 16 miles away, offering breathtaking coastal views. Don't miss Awesome Walls Climbing Centre, 5 miles away, for exciting climbing challenges.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife near Dublin Castle by catching a show at the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre, just a mile away, or try your luck at the Fitzwilliam Casino & Card Club, only 0.9 miles away. For adventurous fun, head to Fort Lucan Outdoor Adventureland, 7 miles from the castle.

Find the best attractions near Dublin Castle

When visiting Dublin Castle, explore the captivating urban park and the historic castle itself. Discover family-friendly activities that immerse you in Dublin's rich culture. Nearby attractions include the enchanting Kilkea Castle and the impressive Kinnitty Castle, perfect for those seeking a deeper connection to Ireland's heritage. Don't miss the chance to experience the charming streets surrounding the area, offering a delightful mix of history and outdoor adventures.

  • Trinity College: Home to the stunning Book of Kells, Trinity College offers a rich dive into history and culture. Wander through its beautiful campus, admire the ancient library, and soak in the scholarly atmosphere.
  • St. Stephen's Green: This lush urban park invites you to relax among its gardens and ponds. Perfect for families, it features playgrounds and walking paths, making it a serene escape from the city's hustle.
  • Grafton Street: A bustling shopping street, Grafton Street is vibrant with street performers and a variety of shops. Enjoy the lively atmosphere as you explore local boutiques and cafes.

Best time to go to Dublin Castle

Visitor numbers around Dublin Castle is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit Dublin Castle can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Dublin Castle falls in July, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Dublin Castle falls in January, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January41.9°F (5.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
February42.6°F (5.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
March43.9°F (6.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
April46.8°F (8.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
May51.4°F (10.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
June56.3°F (13.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
July59.2°F (15.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
August58.6°F (14.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
September55.9°F (13.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
October52.3°F (11.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
November46.8°F (8.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
December43.5°F (6.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Dublin Castle

When visiting Dublin Castle, consider exploring nearby free attractions like Trinity College, St. Stephen's Green, and Grafton Street. For budget-friendly accommodations, book your stay in January, February, or November, when prices drop. Use Expedia to find last-minute deals, filter by eco-friendly options, and combine your hotel with flights for savings. Joining Expedia's One Key membership can unlock exclusive discounts and earn OneKeyCash for future stays. Don't forget to plan your transportation wisely for additional savings!

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Dublin Castle are January to February and November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to May to June and August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Book your hotel around Dublin Castle about 1 month out to secure some of the cheapest prices. If you're the spontaneous type, Expedia's last minute deals and discounts are indicated via the green label below the price.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool makes it easy for you to choose your budget, desired location, and other preferences. You can arrange your search results to display prices from lowest to highest, allowing you to find the most affordable hotels right away. Additionally, you can refine your choices by hotel type; for instance, if you select the "Eco-certified" filter, you'll discover sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that are ready for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at Dublin Castle with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.